The role of diplomat in implementation of foreign policy

By

16th-May-2018

Share

Comments

Mohammad Amjad Hossain :I have had privilege to read interesting articles in some dailies on the performance of diplomacy by our diplomats. Since ancient time diplomacy has been played by political leaders and diplomats in different style. The concept of diplomacy is as old as civilization. During reign of Chandra Gupta in ancient India Kautilaya's Orthoshastro on economic policy, war and diplomacy had played significant role until 12th century. In Europe, the Italian state first established permanent legation in the fifteenth century which was followed by introduction of Ambassadorial system. Diplomats have been in communication and negotiations with foreign governments since then though nature of these negotiations has grown very complex in the present-day world. Prophet Muhammed (Sm) also followed diplomacy to contact foreign governments on the basis of a just and fair world order in which all States, strong or weak, big or small, should enjoy peace,stability,freedom of conscience and human welfare. Otto von Bismarck, German Chancellor, who conducted Germany's foreign policy from 1871 to 1890 has long had reputation in the field of foreign policy whose main principle was merely extension of domestic policy. His policy practically kept France isolated while maintained relations with Russia and Austria on good terms. According to W.W.Rostow, national interest is the conception which nations apply in trying to influence the world environment to their advantage. In the formulation of foreign policy national interest obviously enjoys priority. There are three fundamental objectives which should determine goal of foreign policy. The safeguarding and protection of the security of the country should receive priority. Second objective should be promotion of economic development which is essential pre-requisite for national stability and progress. Economic aid, therefore, be viewed as a means achieving self-reliance and eventually self-sustaining economic development. The third objective should be to promote and sustain the image of the country as one which pursues its position as a respectable member in the comity of nations. Following partition of British India in 1947 professionalism of diplomacy had taken shape. Competitive examination requiring high standard educational competence had been introduced. Every year selection has been made for entry into diplomatic service through competitive examination. Last batch of 1971 of Pakistan foreign service were inducted in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh in 1974.From 1973 first batch was recruited mostly from freedom fighters in Bangladesh foreign service. Recruitment in Bangladesh foreign service was minimal until 1991.The number of recruitment to the BCS(FA) cadre was kept to the bare minimum merely low cadre strength and partly because of maintaining good standard of the recruits. In 1986 batch engineers, doctors, agricultural graduate and architect have been selected through competitive examination but they have undergone severe nature of training course in Bangladesh Civil Service cum Foreign Service Academy since 1990 after Foreign affairs Training Institute ( FATI) merged with it. Here they were taught history, international relations, political science, Bengali and diplomacy and formulation of foreign policy by teachers from Dhaka University, apart from former Foreign Secretary and Foreign Secretary during 1991-1992 and Director-Generals of Foreign Ministry. During my two and a half years on deputation from the Ministry of Foreign affairs I introduced simulation programmes on international conflicts. Students were divided into two groups who were assigned to talk in favor of the conflicts and counter to find solution to the conflicts. A Director-General from Foreign Ministry presided over the session. A video obtained from American embassy was shown to trainee officers on the function of the United Nations under the guidance of Professor Nurul Momen. This writer also organized seminar of climate change for the benefit of recruited officers where Professor Aminul Islam, Geography Department of Dacca University was key note speaker while Dr.Ainun Nishat of BUET and Dr. Atiq, Consultant for Centre for Research on NIEO in Oxford University being participant in Rio Conference on Climate Change, were discussants. It was presided over by retired Foreign Secretary Mr. Nazrul Islam. This writer also introduced familiarization programmes for trainee officers. They were taken to Tin bigha corridor, near Bhutan border, Tamabil border and Cox's Bazar to see the plight of Rohingya refugees in the camps in 1992. Presently, all of them are serving as Ambassadors in different countries. Now Foreign Service Academy re-established in 1996 at Sugandha.Therefore, training course for newly recruited diplomats are continuing. Apart from training course they are imparted in different language course as well which includes Arabic, French and Chinese. Many of them obtained post-graduation from Fletcher School of Diplomacy in USA. Direction of formulation of foreign policy is dictated by the government in power. Foreign policy was successful during the period of Awami League led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Nationalist Party led by Gen.Ziaur Rahman. During his time Bangladesh acclaimed non-permanent seat in the Security Council of the United Nations defeating donor country Japan while Asian group endorsed Bangladesh candidate Ambassador Khajwa Mohammad Kaiser for Presidency of the General Assembly when he lost in tie vote against Iraqi representative in 1981.President Ziaur Rahman was assigned by OIC single handedly to resolve conflicts between Iraq and Iran while Ambassador Arshad -uz Zaman was elected as Assistant Secretary-General of OIC. During the same period foreign Secretary SMS Kibria became Executive Secretary of UN Economic and Social Commission (ESCAP) from Asia and Pacific in 1981. The idea of formation of SAARC of Gen.Ziaur Rahman was floated during the reign of President Ziaur Rahman by foreign secretary SMS Kibria. On the other hand, President Ershad's pro- Iraq policy vis-a-vis Iran had caused widespread displeasure in Tehran. In spite of recommendation by foreign office President Ershad did not honor his commitment to pay a visit to Tehran. Ironically, Gen Ershad jumped on the bandwagon of western power led by the United States to drive Iraq from Kuwait during Gulf war in 1991.The major diplomatic debacle was the announcement by President Ershad of recognition of Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on 16 November 1983. Bangladesh government had reversed its decision following requests made by UN, Non-Aligned movement, Common wealth Secretariat, US and Great Britain while Greece and Cyprus decided to break diplomatic ties with Bangladesh. Another wrong decision was made by President Ershad to establish ties with Democratic Kampuchea while President was on a visit to China which caused embarrassing situation for China. According to former Ambassador M. Sirajul Islam, Awami League led present government "has shown an approach to foreign policy and diplomacy that is difficult to comprehend." He added Dr. Gowhar Rizvi and Dr. Mashiur Rahman, two advisors to the Prime Minister, were given power over foreign policy and conduct of foreign relations'. They have no acumen in diplomacy. Presently, Foreign Minister, who is career diplomat, apart from freedom fighter as well is holding portfolio of the Ministry of Foreign affairs. Present foreign Secretary has obtained MA and was awarded Chancellor Gold Medal from Dhaka University while he obtained M.A degree from the Fletcher School of diplomacy in 1988. National interest should not be compromised under any circumstances. Present government in power does not have any card to play to resolve outstanding problems with neighboring countries. It is no use of blaming diplomats. Most of our diplomats have good educational backgrounds. Diplomats needs to learn chess, badminton and golf as well to cultivate foreign diplomats during their foreign assignments. Yes, articulately dressed is necessary to represent a country. Ambassador Humayun Kabir had established stunt in diplomatic arena by presenting credential to Imam Khomeini, supreme leader of Islamic Republic of Iran, as Bangladesh Ambassador. Instead of wearing western suit Humayun Kabir presented credential in 1979 wearing lungi,Panjabi and cane hat to Imam Khomeini while presenting his credential to UN Secretary-General Perez de Culler in that dress in 1993 as Permanent representative of Bangladesh. Ambassador Humayun Kabir drew the attention of western media widely while he faced criticism at home. Success lies if a diplomat should be suave and at the same time extrovert in dealing with host government to pursue national interests, but government in power should attach national importance in formulating foreign policy. Experience in public relations also add success to diplomats. Last but not the least, this writer agrees with some columnists that foreign entertainment and education allowances are woefully inadequate. These need to be increased to have reasonable respectable lives of diplomats in foreign countries. (Mohammad Amjad Hossain, retired diplomat and former President of Nova chapter of Toastmaster International club of America, writes from Virginia)

AFP :Three leading Hong Kong democracy campaigners pleaded not guilty on Monday to public nuisance charges over their involvement in massive rallies calling for political reform, as room for opposition in the semi-autonomous city shrinks under an assertive China.The pioneering trio are among nine activists all facing public nuisance charges ...

President of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Nazmul Hassan Papon MP assumed the post of Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President for a two- year term at its Annual General Meeting held in the Pakistani city of Lahore on Saturday.Nazmul Hassan Papon is the 3rd ACC President from Bangladesh following in the ...

AFP, Kandy :Jack Leach's first five-wicket haul clinched an overwhelming win for England in the second Test against Sri Lanka on Sunday that sealed the series with a match to go.England needed just 30 minutes on the fifth day to take the final three wickets with Leach fittingly getting last ...

THE ongoing trade war between the US and China has created a better opportunity for Bangladesh, especially for garment sectors. The exporters have been receiving a greater number of work orders from both China and the US. The current trade war has opened an opportune moment for us (Bangladesh) as ...

AFP, Colombo :Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena on Sunday called crucial talks with political leaders in a bid to end a power struggle with the prime minister he sacked last month.The Indian Ocean nation has been paralysed since October 26 when Sirisena deposed Ranil Wickremesinghe as premier and replaced him ...

AFP, Washington :The US government has not reached a final conclusion over the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, the State Department said Saturday following reports that the CIA had held the Saudi Crown Prince responsible."Recent reports indicating that the US government has made a final conclusion are inaccurate," State Department spokeswoman ...

Actress Kriti Sanon who has her hands filled currently with multiple projects has started taking Marathi lessons for her upcoming next. The actress who is currently shooting for Housefull 4 has already begun prep for her next, Panipat. As Kriti will be seen essaying the role of a Maratha queen ...

Actor Sridevi, who died unexpectedly earlier this year, will be posthumously honoured at the 49th edition of International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Sridevi, who had an illustrious career spanning over four decades, died at the age of 55 due to accidental drowning in Dubai earlier this year. The actor ...

Campus Report :In recognition of his vision to digital transformation of society, skill management to imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurship in every youth, and social contribution to destitute children through Daffodil Institute of Social Sciences (DISS) in association with Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar, India, the management of ...

Neymar kept his cool to score the controversial penalty that fired Brazil to a 1-0 win over Uruguay in a full-blooded friendly on Friday.Brazil captain Neymar was subjected to some ferocious fouls from Uruguay as the clash between the South American rivals boiled over at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.But the Paris ...

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday announced the squad for the first Test of two-match series against the West Indies (WI) with ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan returned to the squad.Another big-name inclusion in the squad is Soumya Sarkar, whose last Test appearance came on the tour of South ...

THE Police Investigation Bureau (PIB) has unveiled the mystery behind a spine-chilling crime where a middle-aged woman passenger was killed inside a running bus at Ashulia in the outskirts of Dhaka city. It took hardly seven days for them to crack the case. Police have already arrested the murderers along ...